Zoe Elizabeth Chappell. a beautiful name for a beautiful girl. It means Abundant Life. And I think she's going to be a constant reminder of just how abundant our life is.
As I held her today I couldn't help but wonder what this little one would bring into my future. What joys have I yet to experience with her? What heartache and sorrow would she introduce me to? What moments would she create with me that will just make me laugh, or think or cry? What will she show me about the Lord? Will she love Him? Will she really be mine? Will she? I was calmed inside by knowing that although I hold her in my arms there is an Almighty God holding my future and hers. Every aspect of all this is just a gift and something that God is choosing to do according to His good pleasure. And in the same token even the things that are unexpected, hard to do, or not the way we think they should be or want them to go are according to His good pleasure.
We spent several hours with Zoe and her birthmother at the hospital. It was such a great visit and God blessed us with sweet fellowship with her mom. We had some great moments and just shared our hearts on this little one and what our desires are for her. This mom knows she wants more for this little girl than she can give her. I told her that we want to raise her to love Jesus and to be a compassionate person and stand for what is right in the world around her.
Here is her slideshow!
Now I can hear all your brains buzzing with questions.... I'll do my best to answer them. Tomorrow the birthmother will sign the adoption papers for terminating her parental rights to Zoe. She will then have 7 days legally where she would be able to change her mind... now, because of her contract with the adoption agency it is very difficult to change what has been set in motion but still possible. This is the case with most every domestic adoption. And I want to say very clearly that I would not ever judge this woman were she to change her mind. I know what it's like to carry a child that long and I think putting her daughter up for adoption is amazing and totally selfless but I know that I wouldn't blame her if she couldn't part with her in the end. We are praying that she is given strength to do this and that God sustains her with His peace and comfort as she heals and says goodbye to her baby.
We are lacking some finances and one sheet of paper, a legal document that still has to come in, for everything on our end to be complete. We basically were able to do a year's worth of paperwork in two weeks. Paperwork is unnerving and quite stressful but God is so faithful. If all goes as hoped we will bring our little girl into our home on Wednesday or Thursday.... of this week!
We are very excited and are trying to prepare our home for this unexpected blessing. Lots to do in such a short amount of time. But I think after going through what we've been through things are all viewed through a much different perspective. God will sustain. He is our Joy and maybe, just maybe, He will use this baby to show us His love and gift of abundant life this Christmas.
Dan and Casey,
We are thrilled that you now have a beautiful baby girl. AND her name is perfect.
Hope that we can see her and the both of you soon.
God works in mysterious ways. AND AIN'T GOD GOOD?
Posted by: Richard and Sharron Thornburg | December 02, 2008 at 09:15 PM
What a beautiful little girl! God is so good! Congratulations! We will continue to pray for you and we will also pray for Zoe's birthmother.You say a lot about the song Because He Lives - the verse that says "How sweet to hold a newborn baby and feel the pride and joy he gives, but greater still the calm assurance this child can face uncertain days BECAUSE HE LIVES". What powerful words! Again congratulations!
We love you guys!
Posted by: Jon and Julie Ferguson | December 02, 2008 at 08:36 PM
Soooooooooooooooooooooo excited for you guys! Love the slideshow - especially those little bitty pampers she had on! What a wonderful Christmas gift! We can't wait to meet little Zoe at Christmas!
Posted by: Melissa | December 02, 2008 at 06:01 PM
Do you have a "song" for her? Each of our kiddos has a song that is theirs. We sing it over them each night before we lay them down to sleep and when they are hurt, crying, or in need of comfort... Or when this mommy is in need of comfort! :) It's fun to smile at them when we sing their song in church. Perhaps you could consider "Because He lives" to be her song, (as you have been given much encouragement through it). Zoe needs a song!
Posted by: kari breed | December 02, 2008 at 03:20 PM
Oh My!!!! She is so beautiful. What a blessing. What a great God we serve!!! I have watched in awe as God has walked you and Dan though so many trials over the past few months. And now this amazing gift to His children, right before Christmas. How Awesome!!!!
We love you and will keep you all in our prayers.
Angela
Posted by: Angela Gilbreath | December 02, 2008 at 02:47 PM
She is so beautiful! I'm so happy, we are rejoicing with you guys and will pray that God continues to provide anything you need to welcome Zoe into your home.
Posted by: Bonnie | December 02, 2008 at 02:11 PM
How precious!! She shares the same birthday as my boys, Wes and Will...I love reading your blogs and keeping up with you all...you have been on my prayer list and I will continue to pray for you and your family! Zoe is too cute!!!!
In Him, Gerri
Posted by: Gerri Clayton | December 02, 2008 at 01:47 PM
Oh Casey Girl!!!
She is so sweet! What a beautiful gift from our sweet Father! Mark and I are so excited for you and Dan. We are rejoicing with you and will continue to pray for all of you through this process of adopting this precious baby girl!
We love you and can't wait to meet baby Zoe in person very soon! In the mean time get lots of sugar off those sweet little cheeks! :)
Love you friend!
Posted by: Carrie | December 02, 2008 at 11:15 AM
What a GORGEOUS little girl! And I absolutely LOVE the name. I will continue to pray for you guys. WHOOOOHOOOOO!!!!
Posted by: Hilary | December 02, 2008 at 11:05 AM
She is beautiful. I am speechless. My heart is so full for you guys. I will be praying that all goes well with the paperwork and also for the birthmother.
Posted by: zsera | December 02, 2008 at 10:47 AM
She is so perfect! There are no words to explain how happy we are for you guys! We love her so much already and can't wait to meet her!
Posted by: Erin Ridlehoover | December 02, 2008 at 10:41 AM
She's soooo beautiful!!! I can't wait to hold her!!!
Posted by: Angey Price | December 02, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Just reminds me so much of God's sweetness and mercy toward you all~ I can't stop crying at how happy you all must be! May this baby, her birthmom/birthdad both know and accept the Gospel!
Posted by: Stephanie | December 02, 2008 at 09:17 AM
I can think of just two words to summarize all of what I have read: ONLY GOD -- our amazing and perfect God! Rejoicing with you!
Posted by: Rachel Owens | December 02, 2008 at 07:22 AM
Again we say, Blessed be the Name of the Lord! What a blessing for your life. I will pray for you. Let me know what I can do to help!!
Posted by: Carole F | December 02, 2008 at 06:46 AM
Thats so awesome Casey. She is so beautiful. I love the simplicity of the name Zoe 2... Sweet name and awesome meaning!
Posted by: Drea | December 02, 2008 at 06:40 AM
Doesn't God just knock your socks off? I don't know why it surprises me when he does things so much bigger and better than we could have imagined them, but it still does. We are praying for you guys as you continue to walk this journey of faith, and we're rejoicing in the life of Zoe Elizabeth- simply precious!
Posted by: Christy Campbell | December 02, 2008 at 05:42 AM
Casey, My heart is bursting with joy for you and Dan. Zoe is beautiful. God is faithful. You guys remain in my prayers.
Posted by: Stephanie Powell | December 02, 2008 at 05:35 AM
She's beautiful! What a blessing. Continuing in prayer..........Sharon
Posted by: Sharon Wilson | December 02, 2008 at 03:47 AM
I thought i caught a glimpse of a dimple :) Casey I know that I am frantic with a longing to do something to help Zoe feel right at home. What are you in need of, other than a mess of pink stuff, lol. Please, voice any need so we can all jump in to support you. I for one am eager to hold that precious sweet girl, your Christmas angel.
Posted by: Kristy | December 01, 2008 at 11:44 PM
Dan and Casey- Precious! Zoe Elizabeth is Beautiful! We are all so excited for you and Praying to our great God for all of you. Love you!
Posted by: Aunt Sue | December 01, 2008 at 11:02 PM
What a blessing, your family and the birth mother are in our prayers!
Posted by: Heather | December 01, 2008 at 10:53 PM